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To Massage vs Massaging Infinitives & Gerunds

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Infinitives: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word "to" (e.g., to swim, to eat, to learn). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. Infinitives are often used to express intentions, purposes, desires, or potential actions. Gerunds: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb (e.g., swimming, eating, learning). It’s different from a “present participle” which functions as a verb tense. A gerund can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To massage (Infinitive)

Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to massage" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action

Example

I want to massage my sore muscles after a long workout.

Massaging (Gerund)

Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "massaging" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.

Example

Massaging can help improve blood circulation.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To massage (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To massage is a great way to relax and relieve stress.

    To massage is a great way to relax and relieve stress.

    • "*To massage*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great way to relax and relieve stress).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to massage her shoulders.

    She wants me to massage her shoulders.

    • "Me *to massage* her shoulders" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to massage* her shoulders).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a comfortable chair to massage clients.

    I need a comfortable chair to massage clients.

    • "*To massage* clients" modifies the noun "chair."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a comfortable chair *to massage* clients).

Massaging (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Massaging is a popular technique used in physical therapy.

    Massaging is a popular technique used in physical therapy.

    • "*Massaging*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a popular technique used in physical therapy).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy massaging my feet before going to bed.

    I enjoy massaging my feet before going to bed.

    • "*Massaging* my feet before going to bed" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*massaging* my feet before going to bed).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for massaging tired muscles.

    She has a talent for massaging tired muscles.

    • "For *massaging* tired muscles" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *massaging* tired muscles).

Verbs Taking Infinitives/Gerunds as Objects

The following are verbs that can take only the base form of the verb (infinitive), only the -ing form (gerund), or both.

Verbs Taking Infinitives as Objects

Example

They offered to massage my back for free.

He hopes to massage his wife's feet after work.

We want to massage our own hands for relaxation.

She decided to massage her temples to ease the headache.

He learned to massage his own neck for pain relief.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys massaging his scalp to relax.

Doctors recommend regular massaging for muscle recovery.

I don't mind massaging my own back.

She avoids massaging injured areas.

Can you imagine massaging someone's feet for a living?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to massage my neck and shoulders. I like massaging my neck and shoulders.

They began to massage their legs after exercise. They began massaging their legs after exercise.

He continues to massage his hands for better dexterity. He continues massaging his hands for better dexterity.

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